Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Christmas swapping

A while back the lovely Marianne of Ladybird Diaries set up a wee Christmas decoration swap for anyone interested in doing a crafty handmade swap. I loved the idea and promptly added my name to the list, only to find that Marianne herself had ended up being my swap partner.

So, I got busy thinking about what I wanted to make and eventually ended up finding this sweet little pattern which I couldn't resist. I had some of my left over Planet Penny cotton to use up and so I got hooking.

I love how they turned out, all a little different and really easy to make. I pinned a little vintage image badge and sewed a holly button embellishment on each of them to add to their character.I know that they are not traditional Christmas colours, but I kind of like that sometimes.

They are the perfect little size to pop one of these into...

Since we haven't put our tree up yet (um, actually Alice did put her pink one up on Sunday) I took these little stockings outside for a location shot and to get some better Winter light on them.

When I got home after my conference at the end of last week a lovely parcel arrived from Marianne on Saturday morning. Such a nice treat to get after a hard weeks work.

I got thoroughly spoilt by Marianne, a candle, chocolate, mulled wine infusion, hand made tag, a card and 3 sweet festive handmade felt houses. Thank you so very much Marianne. I shall love adding these to our tree of meaningful and eclectic made and collected decorations over the years.

It really has kick started my festive mood. Great idea for the swap and thank you once again for organising it.Last, but not least I'll leave you with a photo of the card I bought for Marianne from one of my favourite local artists, Claire Fletcher who lives in Hastings. I could not resist this beautiful image of a girl, a rabbit and a mole on a Christmas reindeer. How gorgeous!

16 comments:

You both received such lovely pressies to kick off the festive season! I love the colours you used for the wee stockings - I'm going to check out that pattern to add to my list of gift tag decorations...and the final picture is just so charming, I love the tiny animals, magical! Chrissie x

Penny what gorgeous little socks...you have outdone yourself....nothing would be nicer to receive...Marriane is a lucky girl.As for that wonderful Artist...well! words fail..how beautifully evocative of all our childhood Christmases.bestest daisy x

Your little colourful stockings are lovely, so lovely to have an eclectic tree...ours is definitely that! The felt houses you received are sweet too. Its lovely to be part of a swap isn't it? I joined one after trawling for ages as I just had to be involved in something christmassy. I've nearly finished my make now, a little later than I hoped and it has to wing its way to America so I must get it posted. I am excited to think of something I've made arriving as a surprise for another family. Lovely!

I bet we used the same X-mas stockings pattern :) I also tried it, it is simply awesome!Your little stockings are so cute, and I am sure anyone who gets it with that chocolate Santa inside, will be thrilled!And the parcel you got - oh, just so holiday-like and so beautiful! Isn't it nice to get such little things from your friends? :) Have a wonderful day!

You both made such beautiful decorations, I love the pretty stockings you made, they really are gorgeous!! I know I most certainly wouldn't mind having them on my tree and I think adding the little chocolates was such a lovely touch. Marianne's gift to you is so lovely and I am sure you will love using it during this festive time. Enjoy your day xoxo

Hi Penny, I am just delighted with my little Christmas stockings you made me! I love that they are a little different and were made especially for me, thank you so much. You have been the perfect crafty swap partner! Hope you have a great week.Marianne x

Yay for decoration swaps. Mines not arrived yet but I'm so excitied as I know it's on it's way, I love the little stocking you made and Mariannes cute little houses are adorable, I love the way blogland unites people.Clare xhttp://summerhousebythesea.blogspot.co.uk/

Such a good swap! I think the colours you chose in your stockings are really fun and fresh, and there is something about them which reminds me of a winter sunset, with the blues and pinks and peaches. The parcel from Marianne looks gorgeous, full of treasures. x

Hello, I'm Penny

This is my space to log my love of yarn, crochet, knitting, thrifting and old objects of beauty. If it hadn't snowed in February 2010 I may not have discovered my love of natural fibres and knots of crochet and knitting. I hope you enjoy my ramblings about my makes and dreams ...